UPDATE: Helen Zille apologises after Twitter debacle

Following a suspension from the Democratic Alliance (DA), Western Cape Premier Helen Zille and the party have reached a settlement.

Helen Zille has apologised to the nation in a media briefing in Johannesburg with DA leader Mmusi Maimane by her side.

Watch the briefing live below:

Answering journalist's quetions after the apology, Helen said she realised her comments hurt a lot of people and that was never her intention. Although she never shies away from a debate, she also empathises with people and never intends to hurt anyone with any view that she has, she said.

She added that she had to consider the future of the DA and the South Africa that they are trying to build.

"I do not want to fail SA," the Premier said.

Speaking on how she feels her comments were received, Helen said, "...because we live in a race divided society, usually who you determines how what you say will be received."

The premier says that she believes that she is sometimes misinterpreted because of who she is.

On why the party chose to allow Helen to stay on as Western Cape Premier, Mmusi said Helen is an exceptional governor and he would hate to lose that over a disagreement in opinions.

"Helen Zille runs a good governance... Even if we may disagree, reconciliation is always better."

HAs part of the agreement, Helen will not be allowed to be part of decision-making in the party. Her communication will be limited to her governance only.